AEterna Zentaris to Further Develop Three Follow-up Multi-targeted Cytotoxic Candidates to AEZS-112

29-Oct-2007

AEterna Zentaris Inc. presented an abstract outlining novel data generated from three AEZS-112 (formerly ZEN-012) follow-up multi-targeted cytotoxic candidates at the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics. Following encouraging results, the Company will pursue further research aimed at selecting an AEZS-112 follow-up candidate for preclinical development in cancer.

David J. Mazzo, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer at AEterna Zentaris commented, "These encouraging new results for our AEZS-112 follow-up compounds are further proof of the quality and depth of our internal drug discovery engine, and we look forward to the continued development of these compounds as potential novel oral cancer treatments."

The abstract entitled, "Highly Potent Cytotoxic Compounds with Inhibitory Effects on Tubulin Polymerization and Topoisomerase II", reviewed results of a pharmacological characterization of three follow-up compound candidates to AEZS-112, AEterna Zentaris' multi-targeted cytotoxic compound currently in a Phase 1 clinical trial for solid tumors and lymphoma. The analysis was aimed at identifying compounds with either quantitative or qualitative variations in either mode of action - inhibition of tubulin polymerization, topoisomerase activity as well as antiangiogenic properties - and/or tumor specificity for subsequent preclinical development.

AEZS-112 follow-up candidates were subjected to comprehensive in vitro profiling with respect to mode of action, metabolic stability and interference with clonogenic growth of human xenograft derived cell lines.

AEZS-112 is a novel oral multi-targeted cytotoxic compound with inhibitory effects on tubulin polymerization, topoisomerase II and angiogenesis. In January 2007, the Company initiated a Phase 1 clinical trial for solid tumors and lymphoma; primary endpoints will focus on determining the safety and tolerability of the compound.

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